Garden Design

Last week, Mother Nature finally decided to give us some winter weather and dumped about six inches of the white stuff. I woke up and looked to the window with a groan, knowing it was time to grab the shovel and start clearing a path.

As I finished, I realized that there was a right way and a wrong way to shovel snow. The right way gets the job done faster and doesnt make your back feel like its going to collapse. I was well versed in the wrong way, but not any more.

Wear the Right Clothes

I used to wake up, grab my coat and head out to the sidewalk. I nearly froze myearsoff. When shoveling snow, you need to be bundled up from head to toe. Youre throwing snow everywhere, the wind is blowing and everything is getting wet. If you want to shovel snow somewhat comfortably, then youll need a hat, gloves, real pants not sweats or pajama bottoms and a heavy coat.

Tools of the Trade

For those of you with the electric snow machines that shoot snow 30-feet into your neighbors yard, take a break. This isnt for you. This is for real men who shovel. OK, its for us schmucks who cant afford the big machines.

You are going to want a sturdy shovel with a curved ergonomic handle. The straight handled shovels work fine, but they are murder on your back. Pay the extra few dollars for the curved handle that lets you stand straight as you shovel the snow. Your back will appreciate it. Also, when youre finished, spread a good layer of rock salt. It not only helps keep the ice from forming, but also gives you traction.

Proper Technique

Too many people try to shovel snow like they are digging a hole. All this does is hurt your back and create way more work than needed. Instead of simply digging through the snow, push it with the shovel until the shovel is filled. If there are only a few inches on the ground, then you can cut through a large area before even lifting the shovel.

You also need to take into account the type of snow you are dealing with. Light, freshly fallen snow is much lighter, but wet packed snow is heavier. If the snow is wet, then you may want to only allow for half a shovel full before lifting the snow. The light, fluffy snow will also be easier to lift than the wet packed snow.

Its always a good idea to shovel the snow as soon as possible after it stops snowing. It keeps the snow from partially melting and becoming difficult to lift and remove.

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